The old saying “Can’t see the forest for the trees” usually suggests an overly subjective point of view. In the work of Michael McGillis, however, we see a perfect example of the paradox present in all art. Through the expression of a single artist, the viewer can experience a universe. Try to begin your experience of Five Needles as McGillis did when beginning his creation. Consider our State tree, the White Pine. Today the only virgin stands of White Pine in the lower peninsula are at Hartwick Pines and Interlochen. McGillis’ Five Needles is designed to honor this vanishing part of Michigan. The title is derived from the five pine needle clusters that make up white pine foliage. From each of the five leaning pine trunks aging canvas sails, attached to booms, spiral up towards the sky. The branches with sails are arranged in a sequence reminiscent of the Fibonacci Spiral, the natural growth pattern for tree-branches and cones, many sea shells and other natural forms.
Michael McGillis
Professional sculpture, photographer and educator, Michael McGillis, applied his talents to a wide range of projects. As a leader in The Detroit Focus, Billboard Project, Phase I and II, he conducted sculpture seminars and worked with Detroit high school students to design and produce anti-drug billboards installed by Garrett Outdoor, Inc. In the Clark Park project located in Southwest Detroit, McGillis collaborated with students in the creation of a permanent outdoor sculpture near their school. As a partner with four other artists in Propeller, he fabricated and exhibited steel art furniture here and in Yokohama, Japan. Michael McGillis holds a B.F.A. degree from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit.
